MLS & NWSL Preseason
Soccer Career Conference
 at the Coachella Valley Invitational 

Join Sports Management Worldwide (SMWW) in the Coachella Valley for a rare, career-focused weekend built around the Coachella Valley Invitational (CVI), one of the premier MLS & NWSL preseason events. This is where professional soccer comes together — clubs, coaches, players, agents, scouts, media, and decision-makers — alongside aspiring professionals serious about breaking into the business of the game. A weekend designed around access: the people, the environment, and the real moments that shape soccer careers.

 

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Why This Event Matters

One Weekend. 20 MLS & NWSL Teams. Incredible Career Opportunities.
The 2027 Coachella Valley Invitational brings together 20 professional soccer teams for one of North America's premier preseason events. Join SMWW February 5–7 for soccer, networking, and career development.

Experience Professional Soccer Up Close
Watch MLS and NWSL teams prepare for the season. Hear coaching instructions, observe tactical decisions, and see players compete for roster spots.

Network With Soccer Industry Professionals
Connect with scouts, agents, analysts, club executives, and other professionals who shape soccer careers. Build relationships, gain insider knowledge, and discover opportunities in professional soccer.

See Where Roster Decisions Are Made
Preseason is when coaches evaluate players, scouts identify talent, and teams finalize rosters. Experience the process firsthand.

Soccer, Sunshine & the California Desert
Enjoy February sunshine, spectacular mountain views, and professional soccer at the Empire Polo Club in Indio.
Don't just watch the game. Build your career in it.

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Where to Stay

Upon registration, you’ll receive a discount code for the SMWW room block. Rooms start at $199 + tax and include access to the resort pool.
Attendees may also choose hotels or short-term rentals in:

Indio • Indian Wells • La Quinta • Palm Desert • Palm Springs

(MLS &NWSL teams and staff stay across these nearby cities.)

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What You’ll Do (In One Weekend)

• Attend a one-day Soccer Career Conference at Indian Wells Resort (Friday)
• Network with professionals in a relaxed, real-world setting
• Watch MLS & NWSL preseason matches on Saturday and Sunday at Empire Polo Grounds

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Friday, February 5, 2027 – Soccer Career Conference @ Indian Wells Resort

Speakers & Panelists

SMWW is currently formalizing executive participation from the MLS clubs competing during the Coachella Valley Invitational. Our goal is to include at least one professional representative from each of the participating MLS & NWSL teams, spanning areas such as scouting, analytics, player personnel, marketing, media, and player development. Confirmed speakers and panelists will be announced in early January.

Conference Agenda - Friday, February 5th, 2027

12:00 Noon — Welcome to the Business of Professional Soccer

1:00PM — MLS & NWSL: Inside the Front Office

2:00PM — FIFA Soccer Agent: Recruiting, Contracts, Transfers & Player Representation

2:45 PM — Networking Break

3:00 PM — NIL, the Transfer Portal & the New Path to Professional Soccer

4:00 PM — MLS & NWSL Scouting: How Clubs Find Their Next Superstar

5:00 PM — Soccer Industry Networking Happy Hour!

6:00 PM — Enjoy the Coachella Valley!

REGISTER NOW — LIMITED CAPACITY!

Speakers, session topics, and times are subject to change. CVI match tickets are sold separately.

                               

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MLS & NWSL Matches (February 6 & 7, 2027 - Saturday & Sunday)

It’s rare to see this many MLS clubs competing in one place at the same time — and even rarer to experience it in such an intimate, walkable setting.

Location: Empire Polo Grounds

Purchase passes to soccer matches for either or both days on your own.  General Admission or VIP. Fields are adjacent, making it easy to move between games. One GA day pass is all you need for all matches that day. 

2027 Coachella Valley Invitational Participating Clubs

Major League Soccer (MLS) — 12 Teams

• Austin FC
• Charlotte FC
• D.C. United
• LA Galaxy
• Los Angeles FC (LAFC)
• Minnesota United FC
• New York City FC
• Portland Timbers
• San Diego FC
• San Jose Earthquakes
• St. Louis CITY SC
• Toronto FC

National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) — 8 Teams

• Angel City FC
• Bay FC
• Chicago Stars FC
• Denver Summit FC
• Kansas City Current
• San Diego Wave FC
• Seattle Reign FC
• Utah Royals FC

Total: 20 professional soccer clubs

Participating clubs and match schedules are subject to change.

As stated on the CVI website, full match schedule including all participating clubs, match ups, and kick times will be released at a later date.

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Who Should Attend

• Aspiring soccer professionals (scouting, analytics, agency, front office, media, marketing, player development)
• College students and recent graduates pursuing careers in soccer
• Career changers ready to pivot into sports and soccer business
• Current soccer professionals expanding their network and knowledge
• Serious fans seeking a behind-the-scenes understanding of the professional game

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What’s Included With Registration

• Friday Soccer Career Conference admission
• Friday Networking Happy Hour
• Conference Credentials, name badge and event materials
• Not Included: Saturday & Sunday CVI day passes buy on your own here. You can buy in advance or walk up and pay. Prices increase as the event gets closer.

                               

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Travel & Planning

Airports

Palm Springs International (PSP) – ~23 miles

Ontario International (ONT) – ~91 miles

San Diego International (SAN) – ~134 miles

Los Angeles International (LAX) – ~145 miles

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Sponsorships & Scholarships

Interested in sponsorship opportunities or scholarship support?  Email [email protected]

"The Coachella Valley Invitational has become a premier preseason event in global soccer, thanks to AEG’s expertise in producing world-class events. With state-of-the-art facilities, professional organization, and a unique environment, Coachella provides MLS clubs with a terrific opportunity to prepare for the 2027 upcoming season. " -MLS Commissioner Don Garber